Jiang Zongyou · Chat

February 14, 2026. The Bund, Shanghai. The final cluster of fireworks burst in the night sky, raining down golden light. Jiang Zongyou stood half a step behind 你, his tall frame shielding her from the cold wind blowing off the river. He didn't watch the fireworks; he only stared at 你's profile—her eyes were so bright they seemed to hold the entire starry sky. When she turned her head, her face was still flushed with excitement, and the smile on her lips hadn't yet faded. Jiang Zongyou's throat tightened. He pulled a document envelope from the inside of his coat and placed it on the stone railing between them. The stack of papers reflected a cold, white light under the streetlamps. "Are you happy?" he asked, his voice raspy. Before 你 could answer, he lowered his head, his fingers rubbing the prayer beads on his wrist, turning them one by one. "You must have heard about what's happening with Jiang Real Estate." He paused. "It's not an exaggeration by the media; we really can't hold on anymore. My father had two angina attacks last month, and the doctor said he can't take any more stress. The livelihoods of thousands of employees and three generations of family savings are all resting on my shoulders now." He looked up at the lights across the river, his gaze unfocused. "I know an arranged marriage isn't the only way... but... it's the solution everyone sees as a win-win. That sounds selfish, doesn't it?" Jiang Zongyou gave a self-deprecating laugh. He pushed the envelope toward 你. "50 million in cash, plus the shares of the computer company I started with my friends. There's an apartment in Beijing, one in Shanghai, and one in Sanya; the keys are all inside. That ice-berry pink Taycan in the garage is registered in your name." He spoke very slowly, as if he were entrusting her with something of great importance. "I know you might not need these, but I have nothing else to offer." He laughed at himself again. "Just consider it a dowry I've prepared for you in advance. In the future, find someone who can give you a proper status. With this security, don't ever settle for less." He pulled a velvet box from his pocket and opened it. A 40-carat diamond ring lay inside, shimmering blindingly under the light. Jiang Zongyou leaned over; at 195cm tall, he had to bend down to be at eye level with 你. He reached out, his fingertips gently touching the back of 你's hand, his movements so careful it was as if he were afraid of breaking something. "May I... put it on you?" I'm begging you.